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Current Affairs 15 & 16 March 2025
1. ICICI Bank Appoints Kamal Wali as Head of Security Operations
ICICI Bank has appointed Kamal Wali as the Head of Security
Operations to strengthen its cybersecurity framework. With extensive experience in security management, Wali is expected to enhance the bank's digital defense mechanisms. His role will involve overseeing threat monitoring, incident response, and risk mitigation strategies. ICICI Bank aims to leverage his expertise to ensure robust protection against evolving cyber threats. This appointment reflects the bank's commitment to maintaining a secure and resilient banking environment.
Operations to strengthen its cybersecurity framework. With extensive experience in security management, Wali is expected to enhance the bank's digital defense mechanisms. His role will involve overseeing threat monitoring, incident response, and risk mitigation strategies. ICICI Bank aims to leverage his expertise to ensure robust protection against evolving cyber threats. This appointment reflects the bank's commitment to maintaining a secure and resilient banking environment.Foot notes:
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Leadership Role: Kamal Wali has been appointed as the Head of Security Operations at ICICI Bank, overseeing the bank's security operations.
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Expertise: Wali brings over 18 years of cybersecurity and IT operations expertise to the institution, having held leadership positions at prominent organizations like Jio Platforms Limited, Wipro, IBM, Intex Technologies, and Spanco Telesystems.
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Responsibilities: As Head of Security Operations, Wali will focus on risk mitigation and enhancing digital resilience, ensuring the bank's security operations are robust and effective.
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Industry Experience: Wali's extensive experience encompasses managing security frameworks, implementing complex projects, and developing operational security strategies.
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Commitment to Cybersecurity: ICICI Bank's appointment of Wali underscores its commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure, safeguarding customer data, and ensuring secure banking operations.
2. Ramu Abbagani appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam
Ramu Abbagani has been appointed as the next High Commissioner
of India to Brunei Darussalam. A seasoned diplomat, he brings extensive experience in foreign affairs and international relations. His new role will involve strengthening bilateral ties between India and Brunei across various sectors. The Indian government expects his leadership to enhance cooperation in trade, culture, and strategic partnerships. Abbagani's appointment reflects India's commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations with Brunei.
of India to Brunei Darussalam. A seasoned diplomat, he brings extensive experience in foreign affairs and international relations. His new role will involve strengthening bilateral ties between India and Brunei across various sectors. The Indian government expects his leadership to enhance cooperation in trade, culture, and strategic partnerships. Abbagani's appointment reflects India's commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations with Brunei.Foot notes:
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Current Role: Abbagani is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to the Dominican Republic.
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Indian Foreign Service: He is a 2001 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
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New Assignment: Abbagani is expected to take up his new assignment as High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam shortly.
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Replacement: He will replace the current High Commissioner, Shri Alok Amitabh Dimri.
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Diplomatic Relations: Abbagani's appointment aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between India and Brunei Darussalam, building on the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brunei in September 2024.
3. Arun Mammen Elected as Chairman of ATMA
Arun Mammen has been elected as the Chairman of the Automotive
Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA). As a prominent industry leader, he brings valuable experience to the role. His leadership is expected to drive innovation and growth in the Indian tyre industry. ATMA aims to strengthen its initiatives under his guidance, focusing on sustainability and technological advancements. Mammen's appointment reflects the industry's commitment to progress and global competitiveness.
Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA). As a prominent industry leader, he brings valuable experience to the role. His leadership is expected to drive innovation and growth in the Indian tyre industry. ATMA aims to strengthen its initiatives under his guidance, focusing on sustainability and technological advancements. Mammen's appointment reflects the industry's commitment to progress and global competitiveness.Foot notes:
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Leadership Role: Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF Ltd, will lead ATMA, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year in 2025.
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New Vice-Chairman: Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of ATMA.
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Industry Expertise: Mammen brings extensive experience in the automotive tyre industry, having held various leadership positions at MRF Ltd.
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Focus Areas: As Chairman, Mammen will focus on policy enablers to make the industry more competitive and technologically superior, as well as reducing carbon footprint in manufacturing and supply chain.
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Future Plans: Mammen aims to upgrade the quality and training of stakeholders in the industry over the next five years.
4. Axar Patel Appointed as Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025
Axar Patel has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for
the IPL 2025 season. The all-rounder replaces the previous skipper and is expected to bring his experience and leadership skills to the team. Patel has been a key player for Delhi Capitals, contributing with both bat and ball in crucial matches. Under his captaincy, the team aims to strengthen its performance and compete for the championship. His appointment reflects the franchise’s confidence in his abilities to lead from the front.
the IPL 2025 season. The all-rounder replaces the previous skipper and is expected to bring his experience and leadership skills to the team. Patel has been a key player for Delhi Capitals, contributing with both bat and ball in crucial matches. Under his captaincy, the team aims to strengthen its performance and compete for the championship. His appointment reflects the franchise’s confidence in his abilities to lead from the front.Foot notes:
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Leadership Role: Patel, a 31-year-old all-rounder, takes over the leadership role after serving as vice-captain for two seasons.
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Experience and Performance: He has been with the franchise since 2019, playing 82 matches, scoring 967 runs, and picking up 62 wickets with an economy rate of 7.09.
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Captaincy Experience: Patel has captained Gujarat in 23 matches across formats and led the Capitals in one IPL match previously ². He was also named India's T20I vice-captain earlier this year.
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Team Dynamics: The Capitals have assembled a balanced squad, including experienced players like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc, who will support Patel in his new role.
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Season Ahead: Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign on March 24, 2025, in Visakhapatnam against Lucknow Super Giants.
5. Nat Sciver-Brunt becomes WPL’s leading run-scorer, surpassing Ellyse Perry
Nat Sciver-Brunt has emerged as the leading run-scorer in the
Women’s Premier League (WPL), surpassing the previous record held by Ellyse Perry. Known for her consistent performances and aggressive batting style, Sciver-Brunt has been a vital asset to her team. Her ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed has earned her widespread acclaim. The achievement marks a significant milestone in her WPL career, solidifying her position as one of the league’s top performers. Fans and cricket experts alike have praised her remarkable consistency and dedication to the game.
Women’s Premier League (WPL), surpassing the previous record held by Ellyse Perry. Known for her consistent performances and aggressive batting style, Sciver-Brunt has been a vital asset to her team. Her ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed has earned her widespread acclaim. The achievement marks a significant milestone in her WPL career, solidifying her position as one of the league’s top performers. Fans and cricket experts alike have praised her remarkable consistency and dedication to the game.Foot notes:
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Record-Breaking Performance: Sciver-Brunt has broken Ellyse Perry's record, although the exact number of runs she has scored is not specified.
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Consistency: She has been in stellar form, scoring five 50s in the current season, the most by any batter in a single WPL edition.
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Orange Cap Holder: Sciver-Brunt currently holds the Orange Cap, awarded to the leading run-scorer in the WPL.
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Team Performance: Her impressive batting has helped Mumbai Indians reach new heights, including scoring the highest total ever in a knockout game.
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Individual Accolades: Sciver-Brunt was also recognized as the Leading Women's Cricketer in the World in 2023 by Wisden.
6. Muthoot Microfin Won Double Gold at SKOCH Awards 2025
Muthoot Microfin has won double gold at the SKOCH Awards 2025,
recognizing its excellence in the financial sector. The awards highlight the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and innovative microfinance solutions. Muthoot Microfin’s efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs and rural communities played a key role in this achievement. The recognition reinforces its position as a leader in the microfinance industry. This milestone reflects the company's dedication to social impact and sustainable growth.
recognizing its excellence in the financial sector. The awards highlight the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and innovative microfinance solutions. Muthoot Microfin’s efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs and rural communities played a key role in this achievement. The recognition reinforces its position as a leader in the microfinance industry. This milestone reflects the company's dedication to social impact and sustainable growth.Foot notes:
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Double Gold Awards: Muthoot Microfin won two Gold Awards for its excellence in digital financial inclusion and insurance solutions.
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Award Categories: The company received awards in two categories: Corporate Excellence for "Best Customer Application on Digital Financial Inclusion" and BFSI Award for "Best Insurance Scheme".
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Mahila Mitra Initiative: Muthoot Microfin's Mahila Mitra initiative, a digital platform for women in rural India, has achieved 1.73 million downloads and a 4.2-star rating.
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Griha Raksha Insurance Scheme: The company's Griha Raksha Insurance Scheme has provided coverage to 2.66 million beneficiaries, promoting financial security and social empowerment.
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Commitment to Empowerment: Muthoot Microfin's win underscores its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and bridging the financial inclusion gap in rural India.
7. Andrew G. Barto and Richard S. Sutton honored with 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award
Andrew G. Barto and Richard S. Sutton have been honored with
the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award for their groundbreaking contributions to artificial intelligence. Their pioneering work in reinforcement learning has significantly advanced the field of machine learning. Their research laid the foundation for modern AI systems, influencing robotics, decision-making algorithms, and autonomous systems. The award recognizes their profound impact on both theoretical advancements and real-world applications. This achievement highlights their lasting legacy in the evolution of intelligent computing.
the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award for their groundbreaking contributions to artificial intelligence. Their pioneering work in reinforcement learning has significantly advanced the field of machine learning. Their research laid the foundation for modern AI systems, influencing robotics, decision-making algorithms, and autonomous systems. The award recognizes their profound impact on both theoretical advancements and real-world applications. This achievement highlights their lasting legacy in the evolution of intelligent computing.Foot notes:
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Contributions: Barto and Sutton's work laid the conceptual and algorithmic foundations for RL, significantly influencing artificial intelligence (AI) and other fields.
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Reinforcement Learning: RL is a process where an agent learns to behave successfully by receiving rewards for actions in a stochastic environment.
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Impact: Their contributions have enabled breakthroughs like AlphaGo and ChatGPT, and have applications in robotics, network congestion control, chip design, and global supply chain optimization.
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Awards and Recognition: The ACM A.M. Turing Award is named after Alan M. Turing, the British mathematician who articulated the mathematical foundations of computing.
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Background: Barto is Professor Emeritus of Information and Computer Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, while Sutton is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Alberta.
8. Havells India onboards Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan as brand ambassadors
Havells India has onboarded actress Nayanthara and filmmaker
Vignesh Shivan as its brand ambassadors. The power couple will represent the brand across various campaigns, enhancing its connection with consumers. Their association aligns with Havells' vision of innovation, quality, and trust in household electrical products. With their strong influence, the company aims to strengthen its presence in key markets. This collaboration reflects Havells' commitment to engaging with a diverse and dynamic audience.
Vignesh Shivan as its brand ambassadors. The power couple will represent the brand across various campaigns, enhancing its connection with consumers. Their association aligns with Havells' vision of innovation, quality, and trust in household electrical products. With their strong influence, the company aims to strengthen its presence in key markets. This collaboration reflects Havells' commitment to engaging with a diverse and dynamic audience.Foot notes:
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Regional Focus: The couple will promote Havells' diverse product lineup, including premium fans, home appliances, lighting solutions, and more, specifically targeting the South Indian market.
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Brand Representation: Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan's association with Havells aims to strengthen the brand's presence in the South and tap into new avenues of growth.
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Marketing Campaign: A new communication campaign featuring the couple will be launched soon, with extensive support across TV, print, digital, outdoor, and BTL platforms.
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Brand Ethos: Havells believes the couple's credibility and appeal align with the brand's values, making them ideal representatives for the company.
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First Joint Endorsement: This is the first time Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan will be endorsing a brand together, making it a unique and exciting partnership.
9. World Consumer Rights Day observed on 15th March
World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on 15th March to
raise awareness about consumer rights and protection. The day highlights the importance of fair trade, ethical business practices, and consumer empowerment. Various organizations and governments conduct campaigns, discussions, and initiatives to promote consumer awareness. It also serves as a reminder of the need for strong consumer protection laws and policies. The global observance reinforces the significance of safeguarding consumer interests in an evolving marketplace.
raise awareness about consumer rights and protection. The day highlights the importance of fair trade, ethical business practices, and consumer empowerment. Various organizations and governments conduct campaigns, discussions, and initiatives to promote consumer awareness. It also serves as a reminder of the need for strong consumer protection laws and policies. The global observance reinforces the significance of safeguarding consumer interests in an evolving marketplace.Foot notes:
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Theme: Each year, WCRD is celebrated with a specific theme; the theme for 2025 focuses on "Empowering Consumers Through Better Digital Access".
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History: The first WCRD was observed in 1983, inspired by President John F. Kennedy's address to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, in which he outlined the basic rights of consumers.
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Objectives: The day aims to promote consumer rights, raise awareness about consumer protection, and mobilize consumer movements worldwide.
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Celebrations: WCRD is celebrated through various events, campaigns, and activities, such as rallies, seminars, and workshops, organized by consumer organizations, governments, and other stakeholders.
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Global Significance: WCRD is an opportunity to recognize the importance of consumer rights and protection, and to promote a fair and just marketplace for all consumers worldwide.
10. RSS Pracharak Dr. Shankar Rao Tatwawadi passed away
RSS Pracharak Dr. Shankar Rao Tatwawadi has passed away,
marking the loss of a dedicated figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He played a significant role in the organization’s ideological and social initiatives. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in various nationalist and service-oriented activities. His contributions to social work and nation-building efforts were widely respected. His passing is a great loss to the RSS and its followers.
marking the loss of a dedicated figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He played a significant role in the organization’s ideological and social initiatives. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in various nationalist and service-oriented activities. His contributions to social work and nation-building efforts were widely respected. His passing is a great loss to the RSS and its followers. Foot notes:
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Dedicated Life: Dr. Tatwawadi dedicated his entire life to the RSS, contributing significantly to nation-building and India's cultural regeneration.
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Global Outreach: As the International Coordinator of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, he expanded the organization's global footprint, promoting its heritage and values worldwide.
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Academic Pursuits: Dr. Tatwawadi was a renowned scholar, holding a Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University. He taught pharmacy at BHU and was a distinguished academician.
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Tributes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have paid tributes to Dr. Tatwawadi, acknowledging his immense contributions to the nation and the RSS.
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Legacy: Dr. Tatwawadi's legacy will be remembered for his selfless dedication to the RSS, his academic pursuits, and his efforts to promote India's cultural heritage globally.
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